Optimum number of wind turbines customer-side in the state of Kansas using HOMER

Abstract

This research primarily is in finding the optimum number of wind turbines in the state of Kansas customer-side. Three different areas, with different annual average wind speeds in Kansas were studied: South Kansas, Wichita and Topeka, with decreasing annual wind speeds respectively. Various other factors such as different customer load demands, implementation of carbon taxes and a range of power prices were part of the study. Research was simulated using HOMER program, which was developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. It was found that not only an increase in wind speed but size of load will increase the optimum number of wind turbines. The addition of carbon taxes prove very useful in determining the economic viability of having wind turbines in an optimal power system. A small study on the addition of battery storage in a wind system was confirmed to have no substantial effect on it. This thesis ultimately provides concrete values on the economic viability of having wind turbines in small energy systems.